CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you are searching for a soul-warming, effortlessly delicious meal, this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is exactly what you need. This combination of tender shredded chicken, luscious marinara sauce, and cheesy tortellini cooked low and slow in your CrockPot creates a dish that bursts with comforting flavors and creamy textures. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of rich tomato, melted cheese, and vibrant spinach, making it a simple yet unforgettable dinner that your whole family will keep asking for again and again. Trust me, once you try this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the first step to creating the magic in this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. Each component enhances either the flavor, texture, or color, elevating the final dish from everyday to extraordinary.

• Olive oil spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness without extra calories.
• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast: The star protein, which becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, herbaceous tomato base that carries the whole dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds deep, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
• 1 teaspoon onion granules: Enhances savory notes, layering complexity with ease.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbs for authentic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness and vibrant hue.
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes: Offers a gentle kick to awaken the palate.
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and depth, ensuring every bite is juicy.
• 1 lb cheese tortellini: The star pasta stuffed with cheese, absorbing the sauce wonderfully.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into gooey, stringy perfection that makes this dish irresistible.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious creaminess that rounds out the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• 2 cups baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy note.
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled in for a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.

How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Chicken

Start by spraying your slow cooker with olive oil spray to keep things from sticking. Then carefully arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer so they cook evenly. This method ensures each piece remains tender and juicy.

Step 2: Add Your Sauce and Seasonings

Pour the marinara sauce on top of the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them well. Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes. These spices will deeply infuse the meat as it simmers all day.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the CrockPot and set it to low heat for approximately 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking is key to achieving perfectly shredded chicken that soaks up every bit of flavor.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Mix

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Return the shredded meat to the sauce, stirring to distribute the rich flavors evenly.

Step 5: Add Tortellini and Cheeses

Now it’s time to stir in the cheese tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream. This combination creates the creamy texture and cheesy goodness that makes this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini a true comfort food champion.

Step 6: Final Cooking and Spinach Addition

Let everything cook on low for 30 more minutes so the tortellini become tender and soak up the sauce. In the last 10 minutes, gently fold in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt just perfectly.

Step 7: Last Touches

Just before serving, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Give the dish a final taste and adjust seasoning as desired, making it perfect for your family’s palate.

How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the creamy and cheesy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. You can also top it with extra Parmesan for a finishing salty crunch that no one can resist.

Side Dishes

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also add a satisfying crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For easy entertaining, serve the tortellini in mini ramekins or shallow dishes topped with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a dusting of cracked black pepper. You can also turn it into a layered casserole by baking it briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover CrockPot Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more after sitting, making each bite the next day just as delightful.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Place portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it feels too thick. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to increase the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with dairy-free alternatives, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream to keep the dish creamy and delicious.

Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?

Definitely. You can measure out and combine the spices and sauce, chop the spinach, and prep the chicken the night before for a quick morning assembly that saves time.

What type of tortellini works best in CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

Cheese-filled tortellini is ideal because it melts into the sauce creating a rich texture; however, you can experiment with meat or spinach-filled varieties if you prefer a twist.

Can I make this recipe on high instead of low?

While technically possible, cooking on high may cause the chicken to dry out or the tortellini to become mushy. The low setting gives the best, tender results with well-developed flavors.

Final Thoughts

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day—easy to make, deeply satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Give it a try this week, and I promise it will fast become one of your favorite comfort meals to share with family or friends. Happy cooking!

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